AUSTIN, TEXAS (KVEO NEWSCENTER 23) — Gov. Rick Perry has activated Texas Military Forces (TXMF) personnel and equipment as a severe winter storm threatens communities in the Texas Panhandle. These resources will be used to provide assistance as necessary on roadways as the storm makes its way across the region.
“As this blizzard makes its way through the panhandle and conditions warrant, we will continue to push state resources to the area to assist impacted communities,” Gov. Perry said. “Visibility in many places is quickly deteriorating, and I urge all Texans in the storm’s path to remain vigilant and heed warnings from local officials. As always, Texas is thankful for the brave men and women who stand ready to respond to events that place their fellow Texans in harm’s way.”
Blizzard conditions will continue to blanket the northern Texas Panhandle today through Tuesday with an alarming snowfall rate of 2-3 inches per hour. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for dozens of counties in the region, as winds are expected to increase to 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph, producing near-whiteout conditions.

The following state resources responding include:

•23 TXMF personnel and nine high profile vehicles have been activated and assigned to Amarillo, Pampa, Childress and Lubbock.

•All TxDOT district offices in the affected areas are on a high level of readiness to clear snow and ice from the roadways.

•The DPS Disaster District Committee (DDC) in Amarillo has been activated, and the DDCs in Lubbock and Wichita Falls are prepared to fully activate should weather conditions warrant it. DPS troopers in the impacted and surrounding area are prepared to provide assistance to motorists and others.